My supply of 240 grain cast bullets is very low and I would like to reserve them for my standard load using 5.0 grains of HP38 for plinking and target shooting. I have an ample supply of Rem 240 grain SJHP's and would like to develop a hunting load running about 1100 fps give or take. The primary firearm will be a FA M97 with a 5 1/2 inch barrel but they might also be used in S&W M624's with a 4 and 6 1/2(?) inch barrel. I have the following powders that might be suitable: Universal, HS6, Longshot, 2400, AA9, Power Pistol, Lil Gun, W296, and IMR4227. If anyone else has gone down this path I would love to hear about their findings and/or their favorite loads. With all of the shortages and price gouging I'm just trying to save some time and money by using someone else's research. I also have some Hornady 240 grain XTPs that I could use, but figured the Rems would probably work better at my target velocity. Intended game is deer and smaller feral hogs. Thanks in advance for your input.

Please list ALL 44 special loads! Ive not found a great load for my 4 5/8” ruger flat top yet. Worked bottom to top with universal and 240gr acme hytek coated cast. Ive tried a couple with 2400. Just not found super accurate id like to see yet but only get to tinker occasionally.

Good reading. Thanks for the link!

My 4 5/8" flat top is picky with cast. I did really well with the following. Most of these are pretty warm

260 wfn from Montana bullet works with 15.5 grains of 2400

6.0 grains of unique with a 240 plated slug

200 grain nosler jhp with 9 grains of unique. Same for the 200 hornady- right at 1115 fps.

Used a 240 keith style from someone, can't remember the maker. It and 7 grains of unique or 13-14 grains of 2400 did ok as well.

It seems to love the 200 nosler or hornady the best. If I'd true the throats, cast would do a lot better.

I've taken a bunch of deer with the Rem. HP. It's softer than most bullets and does great on deer.
I use them in my Anaconda Ruger Redhawk, never a .44 Sp., but I'm sure they'll work great in it.

Way back I used 17.5grs of 2400 in a S&W 44 spec.....

For magnum velocities, id stick with 2400 and H110/w296. I run a 240 cast at almost 1100fps out of a 4 5/8 flat top with a universal "equivalent" but i think the slower powders will be easier on the gun.